Unlocking Excellence in Holiday Rental Hosting: Insights from World Travelers

In an ever-expanding world of holiday rentals, being a great host is an art that can transform a mere stay into an unforgettable experience. At HostRooster, we understand the importance of showcasing your exceptional hosting skills to stand out in a competitive market. In a recent survey, where we gathered insights from over 10,000 respondents across 10 markets, we sought to answer a crucial question: What can a host do to make your stay truly special?

After all, the more special the stay, the more likely guests are to return. Great hosting also translates into glowing reviews that can further elevate your hosting reputation. So, let’s dive into what these travelers value most in a hosting experience and explore how you can make your property shine in the eyes of your guests.

Providing Local Insights: Picture this: Your guests arrive in an unfamiliar destination, eager to explore but unsure where to begin. What if, as their host, you could be their personal guide? According to our survey, more than half (55%) of global travelers want tips from their hosts about local attractions, events, and hidden gems. European travelers, particularly those from Croatia, Belgium, and France, highly appreciate these recommendations.

Offering insights into under-the-radar hotspots, steering them away from tourist traps, or suggesting cultural happenings can set you apart as a remarkable host. And when it comes to dining, 51% of guests value restaurant recommendations. If you have a favorite local bistro, know where to find the best eggs benedict, or can direct them to the town’s finest coffee house, sharing these insights can elevate your hosting greatness, especially among travelers from Sweden, Switzerland, and Croatia.

Personalized Hospitality: In the art of hosting, personalization is a brushstroke of brilliance. A warm welcome and genuine interactions were highlighted by 39% of respondents as essential. Simply greeting your guests with a friendly hello, inquiring about their journey, and expressing interest in their plans can go a long way.

Personalized touches, such as handwritten notes or special greetings, resonate with 23% of survey participants. In fact, 44% of South Korean travelers appreciate these personal flourishes, making them a thoughtful addition to your hosting repertoire. Additionally, acknowledging special occasions like anniversaries can leave a lasting impression. Guests from India (46%), Singapore (40%), and Japan (37%) especially value this heartfelt gesture.

Generosity with Complimentary Offerings: Sometimes, it’s the little extras that make a host truly exceptional. Approximately 31% of travelers believed that offering a complimentary item enhanced the hosting experience. Australian (42%) and Japanese (40%) guests, in particular, cherished this thoughtful touch.

Going above and beyond to provide “additional cleaning” services holds a special allure for travelers from Latin America (46%) and Asia (43%). Moreover, 46% of all respondents deemed “offering some amenities free of charge” as an indicator of a great host. This sentiment transcends generations, as both Gen X (47%) and Millennials (47%) value this generosity.

To truly dazzle your guests, consider sprinkling your property with meaningful extras. Providing high-quality toiletries, a universal phone charger, gripping novels, or even complimentary Netflix access can elevate your hosting status from “great” to “exceptional.” For late-night arrivals, a small snack basket, along with tea and coffee for the morning, can make them feel right at home. Fresh flowers, magazines, or free Netflix might be the finishing touches that turn a four-star review into a sparkling five-star endorsement.

In conclusion, the art of being a great host lies in the details—offering local insights, personalizing experiences, and generously enhancing your guests’ stay. As you create memorable moments, remember the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Be the host who leaves an indelible mark on your guests’ hearts, and your hosting journey will flourish. At HostRooster, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you master the art of hosting.

 

 / 

Sign in

Send Message

My favorites